Jon Santos: Social media raised the bar for comedians
Established stand-up comedian Jon Santos acknowledged the role social media plays in improving the lot of comedy.
The thespian, who recently appeared as the transsexual Bernadette in the stage musical “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” sees it as a way for punch lines to become more intelligent and less predictable.
“Every minute a joke is posted and spread out for free kaya comedians ngayon hindi na pwedeng basta-basta mangopya na lang because some people may have already read or heard that somewhere,” he told Yahoo Philippines.
The pressure to be original, edgier
Jon, mentored by comedian Tessie Tomas, is as well known for his wit as he is with his impersonations of Vilma Santos, Kris Aquino and Joseph Estrada.
But he admits it isn’t easy.
“Mahirap patawanin ang Pinoy na techie. Libre ang jokes sa telepono and nagkalat na free videos. The pressure to be original, edgier and novel is there,” he confessed.
“But it’s all good. Tumaas ang quality ng pagpapatawa at pagsusulat dahil dito. The bar is raised.”
Retro kid
Jon, who completed the second run of the play in Resorts World Manila following a stint in Singapore was asked about his take on 80s music, which fills the musical.
“I’m a proud member of the 70s and 80s disco generation,” he replied. “The music that came out of that period is timeless kasi we noticed that yung soundtrack ng ‘Priscilla’ reached out to the hearts of all the generations who came to see us, may they be baby boomers, Gen X-ers, or millennials.”
Songs featured in the musical include “I Will Survive,” “I Love the Nightlife,” “Shake Your Groove Thing” and “Go West.”
MORE VIDEO EXCERPTS FROM 'PRISCILLA'
Go West
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Thank God I'm a Country Boy
